Friday word: Antediluvian

[med_cat]

Antediluvian (adj.):

1: of or relating to the period before the flood described in the Bible

2a : made, evolved, or developed a long time ago <an antediluvian automobile>
b : extremely primitive or outmoded <an antediluvian prejudice>

Examples:

(I was much surprised this week to see that a technologically advanced workplace, despite being advanced, has some antediluvian equipment! This word is often used to exaggerate or to make one's point tongue-in-cheek, as I'm sure you can surmise from the definition and the origin :)

1. He has antediluvian notions about the role of women in the workplace.
2. <found evidence in the Middle East of an antediluvian people previously unknown to history>

Etymology:

ante- + Latin diluvium flood (i.e., before the Great Flood described in the Bible)

Comments

[kryptyd.livejournal.com]

That's really cool. I knew it meant long ago, but not that the word related to the biblical flood. Thanks!

[med_cat]

My pleasure! I love words with interesting etymologies, don't you? :)

[prettygoodword.livejournal.com]

My favorite use of the word: "the man they call'd “Ho!” told his story of woe / In an antediluvian tone" —The Hunting of the Snark

---L.

[med_cat]

Good one ;)